Albergues in St. Jean and Roncesvalles

[Brian K]

Hi,
Starting my Fall Camino in early November from St Jean. I'm pretty experienced on the Frances and have walked it a number of times before, but all Pre-Covid. I'd really prefer to not have to book ahead (Just my Preference) but hear different things about this since Covid. I'm especially interested in your experience in the early stages as that seems to be where there tends to be bed shortages.

A couple of questions

1. Any problem getting a bed at the Municipal in St Jean? I tend to walk off season and in the past, I've arrived in town, waited until it opened and never had a problem getting a bed.

2. Any issues in Roncesvalles? The last time I did the Frances in December/January the large Albergue was closed but they had a smaller one open? Is this still the case?

Appreciate the feedback,
Thanks Brian

 

[Former member 92300]

If you are walking off season - you shouldn't have a problem. If the municipal in SJPDP is closed, they should be able to direct you to a private albergue with beds. Just check what is open and closed during the time you wish to travel. I use gronze.com to check what albergues, pensions, and other accommodations are actually open. As for COVID - I walked in 2021 and 2022 and most places were returning to normal capacities in 2022 - so that shouldn't be a problem.

 

[Brian K]

If you are walking off season - you shouldn't have a problem. If the municipal in SJPDP is closed, they should be able to direct you to a private albergue with beds. Just check what is open and closed during the time you wish to travel. I use gronze.com to check what albergues, pensions, and other accommodations are actually open. As for COVID - I walked in 2021 and 2022 and most places were returning to normal capacities in 2022 - so that shouldn't be a problem.

Thanks Jeanine. I'll check out Gronze

 

[Former member 92300]

Thanks Jeanine. I'll check out Gronze

I forgot to add - gronze is in Spanish but a Chrome browser can translate it for you. Just be sure to switch back and forth from Spanish/English to be sure you have the correct albergue or town name in Spanish (For example the town Puenta La Reina is listed a "Queen's Bridge" or something like that in the translated page.

 

[Ianinam]

2. Any issues in Roncesvalles? The last time I did the Frances in December/January the large Albergue was closed but they had a smaller one open? Is this still the case?

Aterpea (the large albergue) will be open until November 3rd. Then the small 'winter-albergue' will be open all winter.

 

[Brian K]

Aterpea (the large albergue) will be open until November 3rd. Then the small 'winter-albergue' will be open all winter.

Thanks, appreciate the response.

 

[Monasp]

Hi,
Starting my Fall Camino in early November from St Jean. I'm pretty experienced on the Frances and have walked it a number of times before, but all Pre-Covid. I'd really prefer to not have to book ahead (Just my Preference) but hear different things about this since Covid. I'm especially interested in your experience in the early stages as that seems to be where there tends to be bed shortages.

A couple of questions

1. Any problem getting a bed at the Municipal in St Jean? I tend to walk off season and in the past, I've arrived in town, waited until it opened and never had a problem getting a bed.

2. Any issues in Roncesvalles? The last time I did the Frances in December/January the large Albergue was closed but they had a smaller one open? Is this still the case?

Appreciate the feedback,
Thanks Brian

You have to go to the pilgrim's office 39 rue de la citadelle at Saint Jean Pied de Port. The volunteers will say you what Albergues are open, forecast and a lot of advices.

 

[Brian K]

You have to go to the pilgrim's office 39 rue de la citadelle at Saint Jean Pied de Port. The volunteers will say you what Albergues are open, forecast and a lot of advices.

Thanks, will do!